Over the years I've taken on many roles in which I've assumed positions of leadership. For example I was once the President of the Employee's Association at work and later on that was followed up with the 'prestigious' assignment of being the President of the 25 Year Club. Apparently these two 'not so auspicious' positions planted seeds of leadership within me because over time I went on to proclaim myself to be the head of two other 'clubs'. First, the President of The Hopeless Romantic's Club and secondly, the President of The Lonely Heart's Club. How the Dear Lord has put up with me over the years is a miracle in and of itself but just as He promises in Romans 8:28, "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose", He has used my membership assignments to bless me beyond measure. Let me explain . . .
Last night I had the incredible opportunity to be out in the middle of God's lush bounty. In the midst of this haven of life, purity burst forth from every living thing. In my eyes the trees had never before been more rich with multiple shades of green. The songs of birds had never been more harmonious. Even the fingertip sized frogs that quickly bounded from one place to another brought a sense of the hope of life.
Rain had swept through the area so the sounds and smells of freshness were everywhere. The mere sight of a droplet of rain as the sun burst back upon the scene was enough to take my breath away. But then, as if right on cue, no doubt for full effect, and only as God Himself could do, a screen of mist rose up from the wooded area and drifted along in front of my view as the direct rays of the sun shown through to the ground. Breathtaking perfection . . . orchestrated certainly by God Himself as He allowed His presence to be known.
Ever so briefly I thought how nice it would be to have someone there with me to enjoy this moment. But then, even before that thought could fully be formed, I realized that only God knew ahead of time that He had orchestrated this moment - only God could arrange my schedule and my heart so that I fully enjoyed this gift of perfection. No one but God could have known that he needed to be there at that given moment of time. Someone else may have disappointed me by his absence or unity of heart but not God . . . for it was then that I realized fully that I wasn't alone - Jesus was there with me and our hearts were one . . . thus the perfection of the moment.
Although on occasion I am asked to run for re-election as the President of the Lonely Heart's Club, a few years back, through Divine intervention, I gladly gave up that leadership role. How blessed I am now to know that I NEVER have to take that burden on again. But as you can see, I've yet to walk away from being the head of the Hopeless Romantic's Club. Given my heart I suspect that the Lord agrees that, together with Him, my reign should live on.
Blessed Jesus, You are the love of my life . . . now and forever . . . thank You for Your bountiful gifts.
Amen and amen.
bo
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
What Counts?
When teaching the Galatians about breaking free from the bondage of legalism, the Apostle Paul wrote . . . "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love". (Gal 5:6) When teaching me recently about the abundance of His grace, the Lord brought me to that very same teaching.
Let me go back to the beginning and tell you what brought about the need for this teaching . . . it all began as the festivities of the New Year (2009) were unfolding. The Lord and I gathered to discuss the upcoming new year and as I shared my thoughts with Him . . . ok, ok, I whined - He listened . . . patiently . . . while I unleashed the tears as 'Boohoo Bonnie' tried to convince Him that I was lacking for love in my life. As you might guess, He saw things differently. If I recall correctly 'Pooie' was the word He impressed upon me that day and from there He went on to show me that if I want love in my life then I would have to step out of my comfort zone and give love. Well, my immediate reaction was . . . oh no, the Lord's throwing the door wide open and telling me to step inside a new world. Would I have to develop all new relationships while nurturing old ones? Was He challenging me to do all that I could in order that I might be all that He intended for me to be? YIKES!
Well, the reflection in the mirror told me that it was time - dry the tears - take the leap of faith - and love someone. Looking back at my 'memory stones' (aka 4x6 index cards!) I see that my intent was to set one Saturday a month aside to get to know someone new. Again, as you might guess, the Lord saw things differently than I did. It is now mid June and I cry 'UNCLE' . . . the Lord has brought me to a place of giving and receiving so much love that it can only be described as 'exceeding abundantly more than I could ask or imagine'. I have been filled with pure radiant joy as I've watched the Lord bless those He had me reach out to touch. He provided the fuel . . . the time, His compassion, tons of encouragement . . . and His immeasurable LOVE. The Fruit of the Spirit bursts forth from a season of giving. Love, peace, joy, faith, gentleness, goodness, kindness, patience and self-control . . . and the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Thank You, Jesus!
Once again He has shown Himself to be amazing. In my wildest dreams I never would have guessed that 2009 would truly be 'A Year of Relationships' as my memory stone indicated. My question to you now is . . . have you whined to Him lately? Try it . . . because if you do, you're sure to be blessed beyond measure!
bo
Let me go back to the beginning and tell you what brought about the need for this teaching . . . it all began as the festivities of the New Year (2009) were unfolding. The Lord and I gathered to discuss the upcoming new year and as I shared my thoughts with Him . . . ok, ok, I whined - He listened . . . patiently . . . while I unleashed the tears as 'Boohoo Bonnie' tried to convince Him that I was lacking for love in my life. As you might guess, He saw things differently. If I recall correctly 'Pooie' was the word He impressed upon me that day and from there He went on to show me that if I want love in my life then I would have to step out of my comfort zone and give love. Well, my immediate reaction was . . . oh no, the Lord's throwing the door wide open and telling me to step inside a new world. Would I have to develop all new relationships while nurturing old ones? Was He challenging me to do all that I could in order that I might be all that He intended for me to be? YIKES!
Well, the reflection in the mirror told me that it was time - dry the tears - take the leap of faith - and love someone. Looking back at my 'memory stones' (aka 4x6 index cards!) I see that my intent was to set one Saturday a month aside to get to know someone new. Again, as you might guess, the Lord saw things differently than I did. It is now mid June and I cry 'UNCLE' . . . the Lord has brought me to a place of giving and receiving so much love that it can only be described as 'exceeding abundantly more than I could ask or imagine'. I have been filled with pure radiant joy as I've watched the Lord bless those He had me reach out to touch. He provided the fuel . . . the time, His compassion, tons of encouragement . . . and His immeasurable LOVE. The Fruit of the Spirit bursts forth from a season of giving. Love, peace, joy, faith, gentleness, goodness, kindness, patience and self-control . . . and the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Thank You, Jesus!
Once again He has shown Himself to be amazing. In my wildest dreams I never would have guessed that 2009 would truly be 'A Year of Relationships' as my memory stone indicated. My question to you now is . . . have you whined to Him lately? Try it . . . because if you do, you're sure to be blessed beyond measure!
bo
Heaven On Earth
I love Saturday mornings. Rarely do I allow anything to creep into the sanctity of what they have become for me. This is the time that I meet most intimately with the Lord. I feel His touch, I hear His voice, I know His presence. Every sense within me is heightened as I enjoy this precious time with Him.
This morning as I met with Him I was lead to read His Word from the book of Job. As a kid I always remember my dad saying "Sam there has the patience of Job". Although over the years I've learned the truth behind my dad's reference, I didn't realize then the full extent of Job's trials or the 'helpfulness' of his friends. And it wasn't until this morning that I considered the depth of what it was that God told Job about Himself. Such is the fruit of my Saturday morning of intimacy with Him.
How easy it is for us to acknowledge with our voices 'God is wonderful' just as we say 'that rose is beautiful' but in order to have 'the patience of Job' you must share in the intimacy of knowing God just as Job did. God came to Job . . . no doubt on a Saturday morning . . . and there He let Job experience His presence. Job heard His voice. He realized God's greatness and the power of Him in his heart.
Each of us have the opportunity to choose a time of intimacy with God. A time that allows trust to grow and faith to deepen. I am convinced that the secret to life is centered around knowing this God who we worship. And I am equally convinced that my Saturday mornings were meant for just that!!
Father God, thank You for bringing to me a sense of your presence. Thank You for allowing my heart to experience your love in all it's glory. The beauty of music, the sound of birds singing, water trickling, to see the splendor of color , your majesty in the clouds and the smile on a childs face.
It seems trite to say this but it's all I have to give . . . I love You Lord.
bo
This morning as I met with Him I was lead to read His Word from the book of Job. As a kid I always remember my dad saying "Sam there has the patience of Job". Although over the years I've learned the truth behind my dad's reference, I didn't realize then the full extent of Job's trials or the 'helpfulness' of his friends. And it wasn't until this morning that I considered the depth of what it was that God told Job about Himself. Such is the fruit of my Saturday morning of intimacy with Him.
How easy it is for us to acknowledge with our voices 'God is wonderful' just as we say 'that rose is beautiful' but in order to have 'the patience of Job' you must share in the intimacy of knowing God just as Job did. God came to Job . . . no doubt on a Saturday morning . . . and there He let Job experience His presence. Job heard His voice. He realized God's greatness and the power of Him in his heart.
Each of us have the opportunity to choose a time of intimacy with God. A time that allows trust to grow and faith to deepen. I am convinced that the secret to life is centered around knowing this God who we worship. And I am equally convinced that my Saturday mornings were meant for just that!!
Father God, thank You for bringing to me a sense of your presence. Thank You for allowing my heart to experience your love in all it's glory. The beauty of music, the sound of birds singing, water trickling, to see the splendor of color , your majesty in the clouds and the smile on a childs face.
It seems trite to say this but it's all I have to give . . . I love You Lord.
bo
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Delightful
The Lord lead me this morning to a passage in His Word that has revealed something incredibly wonderful about Himself. The uncovered treasure is written in Psalm 147:11 and in it the Psalmist tells us . . . "the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love."
I remember a time when hearing the term 'fear the Lord' brought with it for me a feeling of distress. As a matter of fact, I remember telling my mentor not long after I was saved that I had no intention of worshiping Someone who I had to 'fear'. Well, as soon as Mike removed the boxing gloves that I had put on in anticipation of our discussion, the Lord allowed His peace to well up within me as He showed me that to 'fear' Him is to be in awe of Him . . . to have reverence for Him. Ohhhhh, THAT I'm ok with . . . THAT I love.
But isn't it just incredible - no, isn't it just amazing - oh dear, I'm without a word to describe how truly wonderful it is that our Creator takes delight in all who fear Him? He waits (ever so patiently) with outstretched arms, hoping that we will realize His splendor, His creativity, His worthiness. He finds delight in us when we visit with Him, when we surrender ourselves to Him and when, as we call Him Papa, we acknowledge our need for Him.
As I meditate on the enormity of this whole idea, the Holy Spirit prompts me to consider the fact that God Himself has a purpose (and why not - each of us have a purpose and we were made in His image!). His purpose is not one of a 'Sugar Daddy' - although from the very beginning of time He has provided for our every need. His purpose is not simply to put us back together after we've made a mess of things - although He is always willing to do so. No, it seems clear that God's purpose is to build a Kingdom of faithful followers who He can love and take delight in. His purpose is to create us, to provide for our needs, to teach us about Himself and to bring us into His Kingdom.
He delights in the love we show Him as we put our hope in the never ending love He has for us! It sounds like a full circle to me!
How often, Father God, have I stopped to wonder . . . HOW DO YOU DO IT? We are so incredibly needy and yet You are the fulfillment of each of those needs. Thank you, always, for Your perfect plan of love!
Amen and Amen.
bo
I remember a time when hearing the term 'fear the Lord' brought with it for me a feeling of distress. As a matter of fact, I remember telling my mentor not long after I was saved that I had no intention of worshiping Someone who I had to 'fear'. Well, as soon as Mike removed the boxing gloves that I had put on in anticipation of our discussion, the Lord allowed His peace to well up within me as He showed me that to 'fear' Him is to be in awe of Him . . . to have reverence for Him. Ohhhhh, THAT I'm ok with . . . THAT I love.
But isn't it just incredible - no, isn't it just amazing - oh dear, I'm without a word to describe how truly wonderful it is that our Creator takes delight in all who fear Him? He waits (ever so patiently) with outstretched arms, hoping that we will realize His splendor, His creativity, His worthiness. He finds delight in us when we visit with Him, when we surrender ourselves to Him and when, as we call Him Papa, we acknowledge our need for Him.
As I meditate on the enormity of this whole idea, the Holy Spirit prompts me to consider the fact that God Himself has a purpose (and why not - each of us have a purpose and we were made in His image!). His purpose is not one of a 'Sugar Daddy' - although from the very beginning of time He has provided for our every need. His purpose is not simply to put us back together after we've made a mess of things - although He is always willing to do so. No, it seems clear that God's purpose is to build a Kingdom of faithful followers who He can love and take delight in. His purpose is to create us, to provide for our needs, to teach us about Himself and to bring us into His Kingdom.
He delights in the love we show Him as we put our hope in the never ending love He has for us! It sounds like a full circle to me!
How often, Father God, have I stopped to wonder . . . HOW DO YOU DO IT? We are so incredibly needy and yet You are the fulfillment of each of those needs. Thank you, always, for Your perfect plan of love!
Amen and Amen.
bo
Friday, June 5, 2009
Not Your Typical 'Recovery' Program
If I were asked to rename the Celebrate Recovery Program, the one word that I would leave out of its title would be 'Recovery'. Although the Lord does, indeed, use the program for recovery, people have a tendency to limit the scope of the 'recovery' and thus unknowingly limit the possibilities that the Lord is willing to bring about through this program. Let me explain . . .
My life's story is not one of substance abuse, it is one of being controlled by hurts in my life. Often I think of the analogy of the bride who walks through a coal bin. Merely by walking through the area she kicks up black coal dust so that by the time she gets to the far side of the bin she no longer looks the part of the beautiful bride.
As I walked through my life, I allowed many hurts to rub off on to me and without realizing it they defined who I became. People could see the coal dust on me – the self-sufficiency, the anger, the resentment and fears.
Then several years ago the Lord lead me to a Celebrate Recovery Group. There I worked through the eight biblical principles which are based on the Beatitudes of Christ. Eventually, as the principles were discussed, the Lord graciously brought me a clear understanding of two very important things . . .
1. who I was and 2. who He intended for me to be.
I knew then that I had a choice to make because I didn’t like the person that I had become. I also realized that on my own, apart from Christ, I had no power to change. But I’m living proof that with God, all things ARE possible . . . and thankfully the Lord allowed the Celebrate Recovery Program to be my pathway to healing and growth.
I’m still not perfect but I am on my way to becoming the beautiful bride who will one day stand before Christ - absent the coal dust - and it is then that I will thank Him face to face for the love He provided through this incredible program.
So . . . my vote for the name change is cast . . . Celebrate Christ! Celebrate the freedom from hurts, hang-ups AND habits as the Lord allows healing and growth no matter what challenge tries to take control of your life!
ps-please help others to be aware of the far reaching possibilities that exist when the Lord is allowed to work in and through this program. Truly, it's NOT limited to a typical Alcohol/Drug recovery program - for with God . . . ALL things are possible!
THANK YOU, JESUS!
Amen and Amen.
bo
My life's story is not one of substance abuse, it is one of being controlled by hurts in my life. Often I think of the analogy of the bride who walks through a coal bin. Merely by walking through the area she kicks up black coal dust so that by the time she gets to the far side of the bin she no longer looks the part of the beautiful bride.
As I walked through my life, I allowed many hurts to rub off on to me and without realizing it they defined who I became. People could see the coal dust on me – the self-sufficiency, the anger, the resentment and fears.
Then several years ago the Lord lead me to a Celebrate Recovery Group. There I worked through the eight biblical principles which are based on the Beatitudes of Christ. Eventually, as the principles were discussed, the Lord graciously brought me a clear understanding of two very important things . . .
1. who I was and 2. who He intended for me to be.
I knew then that I had a choice to make because I didn’t like the person that I had become. I also realized that on my own, apart from Christ, I had no power to change. But I’m living proof that with God, all things ARE possible . . . and thankfully the Lord allowed the Celebrate Recovery Program to be my pathway to healing and growth.
I’m still not perfect but I am on my way to becoming the beautiful bride who will one day stand before Christ - absent the coal dust - and it is then that I will thank Him face to face for the love He provided through this incredible program.
So . . . my vote for the name change is cast . . . Celebrate Christ! Celebrate the freedom from hurts, hang-ups AND habits as the Lord allows healing and growth no matter what challenge tries to take control of your life!
ps-please help others to be aware of the far reaching possibilities that exist when the Lord is allowed to work in and through this program. Truly, it's NOT limited to a typical Alcohol/Drug recovery program - for with God . . . ALL things are possible!
THANK YOU, JESUS!
Amen and Amen.
bo
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